As of January 31st, 2024, global statistics indicate that women worldwide hold only 21.7% of leadership positions in government. Over the years, this number has increased steadily, which indicates a wide gender gap in work and political leadership at large.
Women in leadership roles need more women who are enthusiastic, passionate, hardworking, and goal-oriented in work and various aspects of life. Recognizing women as invaluable assets to any team or organization is very crucial.
Below are the 11 most powerful women leadership quotes for work that will embrace your inner strength and fuel your vision to achieve greater success.
1. Michelle Obama
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States of America and Author is one of the most powerful women leaders who, through her speeches and podcasts, has inspired women to pursue their dreams, goals, and what they are passionate about and make a difference in the society where they live or find themselves.
She is also an advocate for women and female children around the globe, most importantly in countries where there are barriers to education and learning.
She partnered with organizations such as the Peace Corps and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to challenge these barriers.
2. Diana Taurasi
“The success of every woman should be an inspiration to every girl.”
Another influential and powerful woman in leadership is Diana Taurasi, a professional basketball player whose fierceness and competitiveness have made her a role model for young women at work. Taurasi also mentors junior players in basketball programs, sharing her skills and experience.
Diana Taurasi is a talented player for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her success has challenged various gender stereotypes and paved the way for female athletes.
3. Emma Watson
“We need to be the women we want to see in the world.”
Emma Watson, an actress, known for her role in the Harry Potter series is recognized for her initiative, the HeforShe Campaign, a women’s initiative that invites and encourages men to stand by women to create a bold, visible, and united force for gender equality.
Watson promotes self-care and openly discusses the need to live a healthy life as a woman and her general well-being, even in demanding careers. This in turn highlights the need for women to have healthy boundaries and personal fulfillment alongside their work.
4. Melinda Gates
“You don’t have to be loud to be heard. Be the best you can be.”
Melinda Gates, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, a co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates founded Pivotal Ventures in 2015, an investment company that focuses on accelerating progress for women in work and female children in the United States of America.
She understands that empowering women at work requires a strategic approach. Her foundation, Pivotal Ventures, supports research and advocacy efforts to overcome the root cause of gender inequality.
5. Margaret Thatcher
“If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”
The first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Margaret Thatcher, is resilient, an inspiration to many women, and has challenged sexist stereotypes about leadership.
She emphasized the need for women to compete and become successful in their abilities and wherever they find themselves.
6. Alice Walker
Alice Walker is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, novelist, and activist. She coined the word “womanism” as a direct alternative to “feminism,” particularly for black women facing economic and societal hardships.
In her novel, The Color Purple, she showcased the resilience and creative potential women have even in oppressive situations and in the most difficult issues in life. This can enable women at work to tap into their inner strength and confidently pursue what they believe in.
7. Maya Angelou
“No crybaby leadership. Lead from the heart, lead from the head, and most importantly, lead by example.”
Maya Angelou is an American novelist, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Her fictional and autobiographical work often confronts sexism, racism, and various forms of adversity.
The challenges were overcome through resilience and courage, inspiring women in work facing these obstacles to challenge them with strength and dignity.
Angelou’s powerful use of language and her activism inspire women to find their voices and advocate for themselves and others. This resonates with women in the workplace, encouraging them to speak up against injustices and advocate for their rights.
8. Amal Clooney
“Be courageous. Challenge orthodoxy. Stand up for what you believe in. When you are in your rocking chair talking to your grandchildren many years from now, be sure you have a good story to tell.”
The exceptional contribution of Amal Clooney to empowering women for work is noteworthy. Amal and her husband, George, founded the initiative “Waging Justice for Women” with the core aim of tackling topics such as discriminatory laws, gender-based violence, and lack of access to justice at work to allow women to participate actively and safely in work.
Through strategic lawsuits and advocacy, Amal tackles the root causes of discrimination and inequality that hinder women’s economic and professional advancement. Her work, for example, challenged unfair property inheritance laws in Lebanon, directly impacting women’s financial security and autonomy.
9. Jane Fonda
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Jane Fonda is an actress, activist, and fitness coach who, in her contribution, has consistently challenged gender roles and expectations.
Her advocacy for women and female children for body positivity and ageing gracefully, especially through her fitness videos, cannot be overemphasized, as it has enabled women to embrace their bodies and defy societal pressures around physical appearance at work.
10. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“You don’t have to wait for someone to appoint you.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a former lawyer, jurist, and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. In her years of service, Ruth Bader has argued and won five landmark Supreme Court cases challenging workplace gender discrimination.
These cases addressed core issues such as equal pay, pregnancy discrimination, and access to jobs, leading to fairer opportunities and equal treatment for women in multiple professions.
Beyond individual cases, Ginsburg advocated for broader policy changes to prevent workplace discrimination and promoted women’s economic advancement. She supported paid family leave, affordable childcare, and policies reducing the gender pay gap.
11. Gloria Steinem
“Once we give up searching for approval we often find it easier to earn respect.”
Gloria Steinem is a social activist who has made significant contributions to empowering women at work. Through her writing and activism, Steinem challenged the conventional gender roles that limited women’s career choices and professional ambitions.
As co-founder of Ms. Magazine, Steinem created a platform for women’s voices, showcasing diverse perspectives on work, careers, and economic independence. This platform empowered women to share their experiences and advocate for change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, be reminded that their achievements weren’t attained quickly. They overcame obstacles, defied stereotypes, and persisted with resiliency and willpower.
In the words of Michelle Obama’s call for limitless accomplishments and Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s reminder that you don’t have to wait for someone to appoint you, we find inspiration to break barriers and challenge the status quo.
Hold their advice dear to your heart as you advance in your work. Have faith in your abilities, accept your inner power, and don’t be scared to question the status quo.
Raise your voice, dismantle obstacles, and open the path for others to follow. More enthusiastic, determined female leaders like you are needed in the world.
